In article , Wade
wrote:

What if, instead of just 4096 squawk codes, there was
a way to allow each airplane to have it's own unique code?
If that code were registered at the FAA along with the N number,
then a radar return would allow automated lookup of aircraft type.

It's called Mode S, and it's been around for 25 years. It's in every
TCAS-equipped airplane out there, at a minimum.

But they're 5 times the price of the Mode C transponder, meaning it's
unlikely folks are going to install them unless the FARs mandate it.

--
Garner R. Miller
ATP/CFII/MEI
Clifton Park, NY =USA=